Transvaginal mesh technique for pelvic organ prolapse repair: mesh exposure management and risk factors

Prosthetic reinforcement in the surgical repair of pelvic prolapse by the vaginal approach is not devoid of tolerability-related problems such as vaginal erosion. The purposes of our study are to define the risk factors for exposure of the mesh material, to describe advances and to recommend a therapeutic strategy. Two hundred and seventy-seven patients undergoing surgery due to pelvic prolapse with transvaginal mesh technique were included in a continuous, retrospective study between January 2002 and December 2003. Thirty-four cases of mesh exposure were observed within the 2 months following surgery, which represents an incidence of 12.27%. All the patients were medically treated, nine of whom were found to have completely healed during the check-up performed at 2 months. In contrast, 25 patients required partial mesh exeresis. Risk factors of erosion were concomitant hysterectomy [OR=5.17 (p=10⁻³)] and inverted T colpotomy [OR=6.06 (p=10⁻²)]. Two technical guidelines can be defined from this study as regards the surgical procedure required in order to limit mesh exposure via the vaginal route. The uterus must be preserved, and the number and extent of colpotomies needed to insert the mesh must be limited.     

Long-term anatomical and functional assessment of trans-vaginal cystocele repair using a tension-free polypropylene mesh

We report a case series of 63 women with cystocele who underwent the same trans-vaginal procedure between October 1999 and October 2002. The polypropylene mesh (GyneMesh, Gynecare, Ethicon, France) was placed from the retropubic space to the inferior part of the bladder in a tension-free fashion. Patients were followed up for 24 to 60 months, with a mean follow-up of 37 months. Fifty-five patients returned for follow-up (87.3%). At follow-up, 49 women were anatomically cured (89.1%), five women had stage 2 anterior vaginal wall prolapse (9.1%), and one had a recurrent stage 3 (1.8%). Functional results and sexual function were also investigated. Fifty-three women had significant improvement in their quality of life (96.4%). There were a total of three cases of local pain around a mesh shrinkage (5.5%) and five vaginal erosions of the mesh (9.1%). Four out of 24 patients had dyspareunia (16.7%). In conclusion, the vaginal repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse reinforced with a polypropylene mesh was efficient at 2 to 5 years follow-up. However, the first generation of polypropylene mesh we used was responsible for high rates of local complications and dyspareunia. Therefore, the polypropylene mesh has to be improved (lower weight) and the technique has to be documented by a randomized controlled trial before we could recommend its use in clinical practice.     

Complications of transvaginal monofilament polypropylene mesh in pelvic organ prolapse repair

Introduction and hypothesis  This study aimed to document intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with the use of transvaginal polypropylene mesh in the repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods  This is a retrospective review of 127 cases of transvaginal repair of POP using synthetic mesh. Results  Mean postoperative value (±SD) for pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) measurements Aa, Ap, and C were: −2.4 ± 1.1 (cm), −2.4 ± 0.9 (cm), and −7.7 ± 1.2 (cm), respectively. The difference between preoperative and postoperative values of these points was significant (p < 0.0001). Mesh erosion rate was 13/127 (10.2%) with significant correlation between mesh erosion and concurrent vaginal hysterectomy (p = 0.008). Combined anterior and posterior vaginal mesh surgery increased the risk of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion (p < 0.05). Conclusions  Concurrent vaginal hysterectomy is associated with increased risk of vaginal mesh erosion. Combined anterior and posterior vaginal mesh repair is an increased risk factor for intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion.     

盆底修补术后聚丙烯网片阴道暴露的组织学观察

目的：探讨使用聚丙烯网片行盆底修补术后发生网片暴露的局部组织病理学变化.方法：2004年5月-2011年12月于解放军总医院第一附属医院妇产科采用聚丙烯网片经阴道盆底修补治疗盆底功能障碍并于术后发生网片阴道暴露的患者18例,对局部暴露的网片进行切除,采用光镜和扫描电镜观察局部的组织学变化和暴露网片的变化.结果：经阴道网片盆底重建术后12个月发生网片暴露18例,其中临床阴道检查中可见明显感染者5例,仅见纤维结缔组织增生者13例.对18例阴道局部切除的网片进行光镜观察后发现,16例可见网片周围结缔组织中有白细胞或巨噬细胞浸润,另2例未见白细胞浸润.扫描电镜检查发现18例中12例暴露的网片存在明显聚丙烯纤维丝表面降解和横向断裂现象.结论：阴道组织内网片周围炎症反应引起的纤维生物降解可能是导致阴道植入网片发生暴露的原因之一.     

Biomechanical properties of raw meshes used in pelvic floor reconstruction

Female urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are common conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the biomechanical properties of raw meshes commonly used in pelvic floor surgery, particularly the effects of cyclical loading on these meshes. The material properties of nine different types of surgical meshes were examined using uniaxial tensile tests. The strength and extensibility of the mesh designs differed considerably. Most mesh types exhibited curvilinear loading curves. Cyclical loading of mesh samples produced significant permanent deformation in all mesh designs. This non-recoverable extension ranged from about 8.5% to 19% strain. Hysteresis also varied considerably between materials from 30% to 85%. All mesh groups tested for their biomechanical properties displayed differences in results for failure load, stiffness, non-recoverable extension and hysteresis.     

Symptom resolution and sexual function after anterior vaginal wall repair with or without polypropylene mesh

To evaluate whether symptom resolution and sexual function is better after reinforcement with polypropylene mesh than with traditional anterior repair. Ninety-seven patients were randomized to anterior colporrhaphy and 105 to an operation with mesh. Participants were evaluated up to 24 months by physical examination, standard questions, and questionnaire. The overall symptom rate did not differ between the groups, but a sensation of vaginal bulge was reported less frequently in the mesh group, the figures being 17 versus 5 (p = 0.003). The recurrence rate for the no-mesh group was 41% and for the mesh group 11% (p < 0.001). The dyspareunia score was statistically significantly lower in the mesh group (p = 0.015). The mesh exposure rate was 8%. Sensation of vaginal bulge was relieved more efficiently by the mesh technique without causing dyspareunia. Clinical trial registration available at , identifier NCT00420225.     

Mechanical properties of urogynecologic implant materials

Synthetic suburethral slings have recently become popular despite the risk of erosion commonly associated with synthetic implants. Some of these materials seem to have unexpectedly low erosion rates. Based on the hypothesis that erosion is due, in part, to biomechanical properties, we undertook an in vitro study. The biomechanical properties of eight non-resorbable synthetic implant materials, stiffness (slope, N/mm) and peak load (N) were determined from load vs. displacement curves. Open-weave Prolene mesh showed unique biomechanical properties compared to other tested materials. The tension- free vaginal tape had the lowest initial stiffness (0.23 N/mm), i.e. low resistance to deformation at forces below the elastic limit, whereas the stiffest implant tested, a nylon tape, reached 6.83 N/mm. We concluded that the TVT and other wide-weave Prolene tapes have unique biomechanical characteristics. These properties may be at least partly responsible for the apparent clinical success of the implants.Editorial Comment: Understanding the biomechanical properties of synthetic meshes is important in choosing appropriate materials for a variety of urogynecologic procedures, particularly suburethral slings. Although this paper does not address histologic or in vivo findings, the biomechanical properties that seem to be important are mesh pore size, weave and stiffness. Although mesh may be made from similar materials, the final weave of the product may play a role in the ultimate outcomes or complications from slings. Further studies in animal or human models may be necessary to determine the importance of these biomechanical properties.     

Sedation and local anaesthesia for vaginal pelvic floor repair of genital prolapse using mesh

In this study of the surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), the vaginal pelvic floor repair with mesh (PFR-Mesh) procedure was used. The procedure is originally named TVM. All 55 patients in the series were operated upon under sedation and local anaesthesia as pain relief. The objectives were twofold. Firstly, the objective was to evaluate peri-operative and immediate post-operative complications. Secondly, the objective was to evaluate the feasibility of performing these relatively complex procedures under sedation and local anaesthesia. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record pain during and after the operations. At a follow-up visit 8–12 weeks post-operatively, a self-instructed questionnaire evaluating subjective opinions of the operation itself and the post-operative period was handed in. Of the 55 patients, anterior, posterior and total PFR-Mesh procedures were performed in 39 (71%), 12 (22%) and 4 (7%) patients, respectively. Mean age was 68 years (52–93). All patients could be operated as scheduled under sedation and local anaesthesia. Mean operative time was 38 min (26–70). Peri-operative complications consisted of two cases of bladder perforation with the superior needle in an anterior repair and vaginal perforation with the inferior needle also in an anterior repair. At the conclusion of the operation VAS was recorded to be 0–3 in 65% of the patients. There were no immediate post-operative complications. Out of 55 patients, 35 (64%) left the ward on the day of operation whilst the remaining 20 (36%) patients stayed for only one night. The safety of the PFR-Mesh procedure and the feasibility of performing these procedures under sedation and local anaesthesia were demonstrated. However, expertise in vaginal surgery is required.     

经阴道聚丙烯网片盆底重建术治疗重度盆腔器官脱垂的主观疗效观察

目的：调查经阴道聚丙烯网片盆底重建术治疗重度盆腔器官脱垂（POP）的主观疗效。方法：对2004年5月-2011年3月因重度POP在解放军总医院第一附属医院行经阴道聚丙烯网片盆底重建术治疗的114例患者,分别于术前及术后2个月、6个月、1年时进行盆底功能障碍症状及其对生活质量影响的问卷调查,调查采用盆底功能障碍（PFD）症状问卷——盆底困扰量表简表（PFDI-20）以及生活质量问卷——盆底影响问卷简表（PFIQ-7）。结果：术后2个月、6个月、1年时随访率分别为84％（96／114例）、75％（85／114例）和68％（77／114例）。术后1年时随访患者的POP-Q分期均≤I期,手术客观成功率100％。术后2个月发生网片暴露19例（19．8％,19／96例）,术后1年时网片暴露仍有6例（7．8％,6／77例）。术后2个月患者阴道或盆腔困扰症状、排尿困扰症状及排便梗阻症状明显缓解并维持至术后1年,PFDI-20与PFIQ-7评分均较术前明显下降（P〈O．01）。结论：经阴道聚丙烯网片盆底重建术可有效缓解重度POP患者的盆底功能障碍症状,显著改善患者生活质量。     

Dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain after polypropylene mesh augmentation for transvaginal repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse

Synthetic mesh augmentations for pelvic floor reconstructive surgeries are increasing in usage and popularity. Many studies are focusing on the anatomical success rates of transvaginal anterior compartment repairs with synthetic mesh, with minimal attention on its postoperative complications. We present a case report on a 59-year-old postmenopausal woman who underwent an anterior repair with 6×4-cm polypropylene mesh. Postoperatively, she developed severe dyspareunia and debilitating chronic pelvic pain. The patient failed conservative medical therapy and now requests complete removal of the synthetic mesh. No financial support or corporate sponsorship was obtained for this project.     

轻量聚丙烯补片与自固定补片在Lichtenstein疝修补术的研究

目的对比研究轻量大网孔聚丙烯补片与自固定补片在Lichtenstein疝修补术中的应用。 方法选择2021年1-3月在吉林大学第二医院60例单侧男性腹股沟疝患者行前瞻性随机对照研究,随机分为轻量大网孔聚丙烯补片组和自固定补片组各30例,分别应用轻量大网孔聚丙烯补片和自固定补片进行Lichtenstein疝修补术;对比2组一般资料、手术相关指标、术后平均住院时间、血清肿、补片感染、术后疼痛、复发、异物感以及治疗费用等相关情况进而评价两种补片的治疗效果。 结果2组患者一般资料、手术麻醉方式、术后住院时间比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,2组的平均手术时间和治疗费用差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;术后血清肿、术后短期（7 d及1个月）疼痛和慢性疼痛、补片感染、局部不适或异物感、复发等并发症差异均无统计学意义。 结论自固定补片可明显缩短手术时间,但医疗费用明显高于轻量大网孔聚丙烯补片,在术后复发和慢性疼痛等并发症方面差异不显著。     

Factors that affect recurrence after anterior colporrhaphy procedure reinforced with four-corner anchored polypropylene mesh

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the anterior colporrhaphy procedure reinforced with four-corner anchored polypropylene mesh in patients with severe (stage III or IV) anterior vaginal prolapse. Thirty-eight consecutive women were enlisted for this prospective study. The procedure consisted of an extensive vaginal dissection to join the vesicovaginal and retropubic space and an anchoring of a polypropylene mesh patch between the two Arcus Tendineus Fasciae Pelvis in a tension-free manner. The mean age of the study group was 63 (33–80) years. The success rate was 87% (33/38) at a mean follow-up interval of 21 (12–29) months. A total of eight (100%) patients were also cured of concomitant stress incontinence (five overt and three occult type) with an additional tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operation. During follow-up, there were five de-novo stress incontinence cases (16.7%) and four vaginal erosions of mesh (10.5%). Four clinical variables—diabetes mellitus, recurrent anterior vaginal prolapse, chronic cough and vaginal erosions of mesh—were found to have a significant correlation with an unsatisfactory surgical result with large values of hazard ratios found by survival analysis. We concluded that the anterior colporrhaphy procedure reinforced with four-corner anchored polypropylene mesh was effective for most, but failed in some patients who had specific risk factors within short convalescence periods. Concomitant stress incontinence can be successfully treated by a TVT operation in combination with the anterior colporrhaphy procedure reinforced with four-corner anchored polypropylene mesh. However, the anterior colporrhaphy procedure may itself have adverse effects on urethral sphincter function.Abbreviations POPQ Pelvic organ prolapse quantitation - TVT Tension-free vaginal tape Editorial Comment: This article is a case series of 38 patients followed for a mean of 21 months following pelvic reconstructive surgery with concomitant prolene reinforced anterior colporrhaphy. Optimal outcome was achieved in 87% of patients; however, the 10.5% mesh erosion rate and 16.7% de novo stress incontinence rate following this procedure are of concern. Synthetic vaginal mesh reinforcements should be used with caution. More data with regard to long-term sexual function is also needed.     

A randomized comparison of polypropylene mesh surgery with site-specific surgery in the treatment of cystocoele

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of polypropylene mesh surgery with the site-specific repair surgeries in the treatment of cystocoeles. We randomized 90 patients into two groups according to a computer-based program. After a 12-month (mean) follow up, we noticed that the polypropylene mesh surgery yielded good anatomical results. Acceptable anatomical cure rates were 91 and 72% in the mesh surgery group and site-specific surgery group, respectively. There were three cases (6.9%) of mesh erosion. One case of urinary retention and two cases of de novo dyspareunia were seen in the mesh surgery group. De novo stress urinary incontinence developed in three patients in the site-specific surgery group. We concluded that surgery with light polypropylene mesh (Sofradim®, Parietene) is superior to the site-specific surgery in the treatment of cystocoeles.     

Vaginal mesh erosion after transvaginal repair of cystocele using Gynemesh or Gynemesh-Soft in 138 women: a comparative study

The objective of this study was to compare mesh erosion after transvaginal repair of cystocele using Gynemesh or Gynemesh-Soft mesh. We retrospectively analyzed 138 consecutive cases of transvaginal repair of cystocele using synthetic mesh. The study endpoint was the pathological evidence of vaginal erosion. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of vaginal erosion. One hundred and thirty eight women (ages 30-83 years) with cystocele between October 1999 and October 2004, from a French University Hospital, participated in this study. Cystocele repair was performed in all patients according to the technique of tension-free polypropylene mesh. The median follow-up was 32.1 months (range 7.5-59.9) in the Gynemesh group and 7.1 months (range 1-21.9) in the Gynemesh-Soft group. Vaginal erosion was reported in 27 (20%) of the patients. Anatomically, the success rate was 95% (131/138). There was no statistically significant difference between the Gynemesh and the Gynemesh-Soft meshes [the rate of vaginal erosion of the mesh was 16% (15/89) vs 24% (12/49), respectively, p=0.39]. Univariate analysis only identified age class as factor significantly associated with the probability of vaginal erosion. Multivariate analysis revealed that age class is an independent predictive factor of vaginal erosion (age > 70 years, odds ratio (OR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-9.7, p=0.010). Furthermore cystocele stage > 2 (Baden and Walker classification) is a protective factor against vaginal erosion (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8, p=0.016). Thirteen symptomatic patients (13/27, 48%) necessitated a partial excision of the mesh, associated with a vaginal mucosal closure. Two patients (2/27, 7%) underwent a complete excision of the mesh. The incidence of de novo dyspareunia was 9% in patients with vaginal erosion and 11% in patient without mesh erosion (p=0.85). There was no occurrence of bladder or urethral erosion and no vaginal or pelvic infection. Isolated vaginal erosion of the mesh did not prove to be problematic. Gynemesh-Soft mesh does not decrease the incidence of vaginal erosion. Age > 70 years is an independent predictive factor of vaginal erosion. We recommend that mesh placement by vaginal route should be avoided by women with moderate cystocele. Where possible, total hysterectomy and vertical incision should also be avoided. Management of vaginal erosion is simple and is associated with a low rate of morbidity. However, patients should be informed that vaginal erosion of the mesh can occur. A multivariate analysis reveals that the incidence of vaginal erosion is not significantly different between Gynemesh and Gynemesh-Soft meshes. Other factors of erosion are analyzed.     

Prosthetic repair of incisional hernia in kidney transplant patients. A technique with onlay polypropylene mesh

The employment of synthetic mesh for incisional hernia repair in kidney-transplanted patients is rarely reported in the present literature. Many authors believe that mesh employment in such conditions is not safe due to fear of mesh related complications. From 1965 through 1999, a total of 1685 kidney transplants were performed at our Kidney Transplant Unit and 19 patients developed eventrations in the kidney transplant incision, an incidence of 1.1%. From September 1996 eight of these patients had prosthetic repair of the abdominal wall with onlay polypropylene mesh. All patients were under immunosuppressive therapy with prednisone, ciclosporine and azathioprine. Mean age was 48.8 years, mean body mass index was 22.5 and mean number of previous abdominal operations was 2.5. A large polypropylene mesh (Marlex^® mesh) was fixed over the aponeurosis after primary closure of the aponeurotic borders, as an onlay graft. There was neither morbidity nor mortality associated to the surgical procedure. No recurrences or long-term complications associated with mesh employment were verified after a follow-up ranging from one year to three years. We concluded that prosthetic repair of incisional hernia in transplanted patients can be performed routinely.     

Experimental biomechanical evaluation of polypropylene prostheses used in pelvic organ prolapse surgery

Introduction and hypothesis  Although polypropylene (PP) is the most common biomaterial used to repair genital prolapse via vaginal route, its mechanical properties however remain obscure. Methods  An abdominal hernia rabbit model was used to evaluate retraction, solidity, and elasticity of the principal types of PP prostheses currently available, i.e., three large pore size monofilament prostheses, one heavy weight (HWPP), a second low weight (LWPP), and a third coated with atelocollagen (CPP). A small pore size multifilament PP (MPP) implant was also tested. Results  In comparison with HWPP (12%), LWPP (15%), and MPP (30%), CPP had less retraction (8% of the original size). Unlike pore size, weight prosthesis is not an influencing factor for retraction. Atelocollagen coating reduced retraction. HWPP and MPP were the most solid prostheses. MPP supported the greatest elastic force. Conclusions  When the biomechanical parameters were comparatively assessed, HWPP was considered to have the most advantageous properties for prolapse surgery.     

猪小肠黏膜下层脱细胞基质补片与轻量聚丙烯补片在腹股沟疝Lichtenstein修补术中的对比研究

目的探讨猪小肠黏膜下层脱细胞基质（porcine small intestine submucosa,SIS）补片对比轻量聚丙烯（polypropylene mesh,PP）补片在腹股沟疝Lichtenstein修补术中应用的安全性和短期疗效。 方法回顾性分析2012年1月至2015年8月,中山大学附属第一医院使用SIS补片和轻量PP补片做单侧腹股沟疝Lichtenstein修补术的连续男性病例资料,SIS组和PP组分别纳入64例,比较2组患者手术安全性和短期疗效。 结果SIS组与PP组在术后24 h疼痛评分、发热、伤口脂肪液化、血清肿、尿潴留、睾丸并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。2组均无手术部位感染和血肿发生病例。2组均无复发病例。SIS组在术后慢性疼痛（14.1%比15.6%,χ²=0.062,P=0.804）,术后腹股沟区不适感（12.5%比17.2%,χ²=0.556,P=0.456）,异物感（3.1%比4.7%,P=1.000）均低于PP组,但2组差异无统计学意义（P均>0.05）。2组在术后均无明显射精疼痛或障碍,无睾丸萎缩。PP组有2例（3.1%）患者出现手术侧睾丸肿大。 结论SIS补片对比轻量PP补片在腹股沟疝Lichtenstein修补术中应用的安全性和短期疗效是相当的,其长期疗效仍有待进一步观察。     

Repair of vaginal vault prolapse and pelvic floor relaxation using polypropylene mesh

AIMS: The sacrouterine ligament/cardinal (SULC) complex and prerectal fascia attach at the perineal body, forming a single support unit preventing levator descent. Many patients with vault prolapse have levator descent and widening of the hiatus. Existing transvaginal procedures do not address pelvic floor descent. We describe a technique utilizing polypropylene mesh to repair pelvic floor relaxation and prevent levator descent, along with restoration of the SULC complex in vaginal vault repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 50 patients who had a transvaginal mesh vault/posterior wall reconstruction. A T-shaped soft prolene mesh is prepared fixing the two arms of the mesh and recreating the SULC complex in support of the cuff. The vertical segment of the mesh is transferred over the prerectal fascia and secured to the pelvic floor musculature. The rectocele is repaired incorporating the mesh distally preventing pelvic floor descent. Surgical outcome was determined by patient self-assessment including quality of life (QoL) measure as well as pelvic examination using POP-Q staging. RESULTS: Mean age was 67 years. Mean follow-up was 6 months (range 3-12). There were no intraoperative complications. There have been two apical (4%) recurrences. Mean QoL score postoperatively on a 0-6 scale was 0.74 (0 = delighted, 1 = pleased). Pelvic floor descent has been repaired on all patients. Postoperative POP-Q reveals restoration of normal anatomy. CONCLUSIONS: We report a new technique that recreates the SULC complex in support of the vaginal vault with the aid of prolene mesh. It is the first transvaginal procedure described to reconstruct the pelvic floor in attempt to prevent pelvic floor descent.     

Collagen-coated vs noncoated low-weight polypropylene meshes in a sheep model for vaginal surgery. A pilot study

The aims of this study were dual. First, to evaluate the feasibility of a sheep model as an animal model for vaginal surgery with meshes. Second, to compare host response to two low-weight polypropylene (PP) meshes, a noncoated (Soft Prolene™, Gynecare, Ethicon) and a coated mesh with an absorbable hydrophilic film (Ugytex™, Sofradim). Thirty-six 20×20 mm polypropylene meshes (18 coated and 18 noncoated) were surgically implanted by the vaginal route in 12 adult ewes. Meshes were implanted in the anterior (n=12) and the posterior vaginal compartments (n=24). Animals were killed 1 (n=6) and 12 (n=6) weeks after surgery. Postimplantation evaluation included macroscopical examination, histological and immunohistochemical analysis and histomorphometrical measures of the distance between the meshes and the vaginal epithelium. The experimental procedure was feasible in all cases. Vaginal erosions were observed twice as frequently with the noncoated-PP meshes (6/18, 33.3%) as with the coated-PP meshes (3/18, 16.7%), even if that difference was not significant (p=0.4). However, no differences were observed between the two meshes in terms of shrinkage, tissue ingrowth, inflammatory response, and position of the mesh in the vaginal wall. The mechanism involved in the reduction of vaginal erosion could be due to the lesser adhesion of the coated mesh on the vaginal wound during the early postoperative period.